NEWCASTLE UNITED young gun Greg McDermott has begun a seven day trial with League One outfit Hartlepool United.

NEWCASTLE UNITED young gun Greg McDermott has begun a seven day trial with League One outfit Hartlepool United.

The midfielder – who is son of Toon legend Terry – was surprisingly released by the Magpies as part of a second string overhaul back in February.

But the youngster, who can also play full-back, now has the opportunity to gain a professional deal and stay in his native North-East.

Pool boss Neale Cooper was an interested spectator for Newcastle’s reserve clash with Manchester United and was understood to run the rule over youngsters from both sides as he enjoys a close relationship with his former Aberdeen manager and Old Trafford legend Sir Alex Ferguson.

Cooper though missed out on the chance to take a look at England youth international Ryan Donaldson as the Geordie missed the game through illness.